October 26 - 28, 2014

Trade policy is central to the formulation of government strategies to ensure Canada’s future prosperity. The trade policy environment is rapidly changing, however. Trade strategy must take account of new players as the centre of gravity in global governance continues to shift to the countries that ring the Pacific, of technological change that alters what things are traded, and of new business models as production fragments into global value chains. Recent developments in trade theory help make sense of this rapidly evolving trading system. The purpose of this course is to help a new generation of federal, provincial and territorial trade policy practitioners to acquire the skills and perspectives needed to develop trade negotiation strategies. The course is intended for mid-level officials who already have some experience with the basics of trade policy and negotiations.

The geographic focus of the institute this year will be on how Canada can maximize its benefits in the dynamic Asia/Pacific region having regard both to the emergence of China as a major player in all dimensions of global life—economic, diplomatic, military, cultural and environmental—and to the imperative of ensuring that new trading arrangements enhance rather than undermine our primary relations with the United States. An ambitious 21st century trade agenda will include such issues as regulatory cooperation, clean technology, and movement of people. Trade negotiators must develop strong links with the domestic officials and stakeholders engaged in these diverse areas.

Drawing on the experience of former multilateral negotiators and trade experts, the training objective for the course is to develop the ability to think strategically in developing negotiation objectives. The emphasis will be on trade strategy as a specialized mode of policy analysis, with seminar discussions in small groups focused on Canadian trade policy strategy in key areas. The course will expand knowledge of, and capacity to use, analytic and communications tools to formulate trade policy strategies and prepare for negotiations, with particular attention to issues on the new trade policy agenda. Participants will be divided into groups of 8-10 for the seminars, which will be lead by former trade policy practitioners. Background reading material will be available on a special web page in advance.

Expected enrolment is 40 people. The cost of $1,750 plus HST includes all meals and teaching materials. Travel to and from Kingston, as well as two nights’ accommodation, will be the responsibility of the participants.